Jon Washburn Steps Down as Vancouver Chamber Choir Artistic and Executive Director

JON WASHBURN | IMAGE: VANCOUVER CHAMBER CHOIR

The Vancouver Chamber Choir announced June 26 that founder and conductor Jon Washburn will step down as artistic and executive director at the end of the 2018-19 season. Washburn will have lead the choir for 48 years. Upon the appointment of his successor, Washburn will assume the roles of conductor emeritus and principal guest conductor.

Washburn founded the Vancouver Chamber Choir, Canada's longest-existing professional choir, in 1971. He is a member of the Order of Canada and has received Queen Elizabeth's Silver, Gold, and Diamond Jubilee Medals. He received the Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Canadian Choral Conductors in 1996 and the Louis Botto Award from Chorus America in June 2000, in recognition of "innovative and entrepreneurial spirit in the development of a professional choral ensemble of exceptional quality."

The Choir's 47th season begins September 22 with Washburn at the helm. More information can be found here.